Advance Your Career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the VA
Are you a highly skilled anesthesia professional looking to combine clinical excellence with a mission of service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a talented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to join the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System. This position offers a unique balance of professional autonomy, competitive compensation, and the chance to provide essential care to America’s Veterans. Working at the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, you will be part of a team dedicated to holistic and compassionate health services.
Job Responsibilities
As an independently licensed health professional, you will hold significant accountability for your clinical practice. Your duties will span four core pillars:
- Pre-anesthesia Preparation: Conducting physical assessments, interpreting medical data, and obtaining informed consent.
- Anesthesia Delivery: Managing induction, maintenance, and emergence during surgical procedures.
- Post-anesthetic Care: Developing patient-specific recovery plans and monitoring stability.
- Peri-anesthetic Support: Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing teams to ensure safety, infection control, and optimal patient outcomes.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:
- Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Education: A master’s or doctoral degree from a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program is required.
- Certification: You must maintain active certification through the NBCRNA.
- Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate basic proficiency in written and spoken English.
| Grade Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse II (Entry) | Meets Basic Requirements | No specialized experience required |
| Nurse III | Meets Basic Requirements | 1 year of specialized CNA experience |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $166,471 to $241,327 annually, depending on experience, education, and grade level placement. This competitive compensation package is designed to reflect the high level of skill and responsibility required of VA anesthesia professionals.
Benefits
Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck; it means joining a federal system that values its employees. Key benefits include:
- Debt Assistance: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
- Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: Federal pension plus 401(k)-style contributions with matching.
- Insurance: Access to federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
Application Tips
- Be Comprehensive: Do not omit volunteer or part-time clinical work. Every detail helps the hiring team assess your qualifications.
- Documentation is Key: Have your DD-214 (if applicable), transcripts, and licensure information ready for upload.
- Follow Procedures: Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire align clearly with the experience stated on your resume.
Serving our nation’s Veterans as a CRNA is a profoundly rewarding career path. If you are ready to contribute your skills to an organization that honors its patients with superior, whole-person care, apply to the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System today. Your future in federal health care begins with this application.
Why This Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Job Matters
Elevate your anesthesia career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where advanced clinical practice meets a mission of service to those who served.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Job Overview
The VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to join our professional healthcare team in Leavenworth, Kansas. This role offers an opportunity to provide comprehensive anesthetic care, ranging from pre-anesthesia evaluation to post-operative support, while collaborating within an interdisciplinary environment. As a CRNA with the VA, you will be part of a mission-driven organization committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Possession of a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia from an accredited program
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice as a CNA or equivalent in a U.S. state, territory, or district
- Current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation and urinalysis for drug screening
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- Prior clinical experience in an advanced practice nursing role
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively in an interdisciplinary healthcare team
- Expertise in modern ultrasound-guided techniques and advanced anesthesia equipment
- Active participation in quality improvement and safety initiatives
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases
- âś“Comprehensive federal insurance plans (health, dental, vision, long-term care, and life)
- âś“Generous paid time off: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays per year
- âś“Federal pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan with 5% matching
- âś“Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan reimbursement
- âś“Professional development and mentorship opportunities
đź’ˇ How to Apply Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Job
- Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure eligibility.
- Prepare your long-form resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, license certifications, and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on October 29, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed; the selection team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Clearly articulate both paid and unpaid/volunteer experience as it relates to anesthesia practice.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before submission.
- Check the status of your application regularly via your USAJOBS account.
- Review your license information to ensure it is current and valid in the eyes of the VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is student loan repayment available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan payment reimbursement. Eligibility requirements and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.
What is the expected work schedule for this role?
The schedule is typically a Monday through Friday day shift, though the exact tour of duty will be finalized upon selection.
Are there mandatory vaccination requirements?
Yes, all Veterans Affairs health care personnel are required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed in Kansas?
Yes, the VA accepts an active, unrestricted license from any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Is there a drug testing requirement?
Yes, this position is a testing-designated position, and candidates must pass a pre-employment urinalysis.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive medical care to over 41,000 Veterans in Kansas and Missouri, the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System is a leader in inpatient, surgical, and psychiatric services. Leavenworth, Kansas, provides an excellent backdrop for your career, featuring an affordable cost of living, a historic downtown, and proximity to the vibrant Kansas City metropolitan area.